Family vacation packing list with kids: what to bring for stress-free travel

Written By Joanie Wang

Planning a luxury family vacation? Whether you're heading to the beach, the mountains, or a new city, packing for your whole crew can feel like a juggling act. Between making sure everyone has the right shoes, snacks, and travel documents, it’s easy to forget something essential.

This family vacation packing list (with kids in mind!) takes the guesswork out of travel prep. From clothing and toiletries to tech and toys, we’ve rounded up everything you’ll need for a smooth, stress-free trip, plus a printable checklist to keep you organized from start to finish.

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How to use this packing list

Every family—and every trip—is different. Start with the list below as a rough guide, and adjust based on:

  • Your destination (beach vs. snow vs. city)

  • How you’re traveling (car, plane, or train)

  • The ages of your kids (babies need a little more gear!)

  • How long you’ll be gone

Pro-tip: If you’re flying, check airline rules around strollers, car seats, and liquids early.

Family travel essentials

Start with the must-haves you literally can’t travel without:

  • Passports or government-issued IDs

  • Travel confirmations: flights, hotels, rental car

  • Credit cards and a zero-fee debit card to withdraw local currency once you get to your destination

  • Health insurance cards

  • Emergency contact list

  • Copies of important documents (digital + printed) - this one is totally up to you!

Pro-tip: Keep your travel documents together in a waterproof zipper pouch.

Clothes and shoes for everyone

Everyone has their own packing style, but here’s our approach:

  1. Divide your clothes into three categories: everyday, active, and dressed-up.

  2. Think in terms of a capsule wardrobe, pieces that mix and match easily. Stick to a color palette if that helps.

  3. Pack one wildcard item that brings you joy, even if it doesn’t go with everything.

  4. Don’t skimp on underwear and socks. Aim for enough to last the entire trip (or at least a week). Sure, you could wash a pair every night, but let’s be honest, we’re not that kind of traveler and that is not what we want to spend our vacation doing if it’s not something we do regularly at home. Packing extra doesn’t take up much space and gives you the flexibility to skip laundry when you’re tired or in transit.

For the adults

  • Everyday outfits (think capsule wardrobe). We recommend an outfit a day. If you’re traveling for more than a week, we suggest 8 outfits, and trips to the laundromat.

  • Shoes: one walking pair + one backup

    • Cloud slippers are versatile, great for the plane, for water activities, and camping 

  • Pajamas, swimwear, layers

  • Sunglasses, hat, rain jacket

  • Travel pillow + eye cover (or travel pillow only)

How much clothing should I pack for kids?

Kids are adorable... and incredibly good at getting messy. Here’s our general rule of thumb when packing for little ones:

  1. Plan for 1–2 outfits per day, depending on age (younger kids = more mess). If you’re traveling for more than a week, we suggest 8 outfits to start that are easy to mix and match.

  2. Always pack a few extra basics: an extra t-shirt, socks, and undies go a long way.

  3. Include weather-appropriate gear like swimsuits, jackets, or a raincoat, even if you’re not sure you’ll need them.

  4. Pajamas + comfort items (like that one specific pair they have to sleep in) are non-negotiables.

  5. Shoes: one comfy everyday pair + one backup (crocs or sandals work great).

Pro-tip: Pack each day's outfit in its own zip pouch or packing cube. This makes mornings a lot easier and gives older kids some independence when getting dressed.

Laundry tips while traveling

  • Booking a rental? Look for one with a washer/dryer to make mid-trip resets easy.

  • Hotel stay? Call ahead to ask about laundry services (they’re often more affordable than you’d expect, especially abroad). Alternatively, check Google Maps to see if there are full-service laundromats near where you’re staying.

  • Bring a travel clothesline if you’ll be hand-washing (or in humid weather).

  • Always pack a laundry bag to separate dirty clothes and make unpacking a breeze.

Toiletries and beauty

Pro-tip: For flying, keep a small toiletries kit in your carry-on in case your bags get delayed.

Snacks and food items

Even if you're not road-tripping, snacks = sanity. Bring:

Pro-tip: if able, pre-order snacks to get sent to your hotel or Airbnb so you don’t have to spend time shopping.

Entertainment and tech

Sleep and comfort gear

Help kids sleep better in new environments:

  • Travel crib or pack-n-play

  • White noise machine or app

  • Blanket and travel pillow

  • Nightlight

  • Don’t forget their comfort item; stuffed animals can go a long way on long trips.

Optional items based on trip type

For a beach trip

  • Swimsuits, rash guards

  • Sunscreen, sun hats

  • Sand toys, floaties, water shoes (driving distance)

  • Beach bag and towels (driving distance)

For a winter trip

For flying with kids

  • FAA-approved car seat or booster

  • Baby carrier

  • Extra change of clothes (in case of spills or accidents)

  • Ziploc bags for trash or blowouts

Final packing tips

  • Pack one full change of clothes and PJs in your carry-on for each kid

  • Use laundry bags or packing cubes to stay organized on the go

  • Bring a lightweight, foldable tote for souvenirs or laundry

  • Keep a small "arrival kit" with snacks, meds, and a few toys in easy reach

Download the printable checklist

Want a version you can print or check off digitally?
👉 Click here to download your family packing list PDF

Share it with a fellow parent

Found this helpful? Share this packing list with a friend who’s going their own family vacation soon. And if you’ve got a tip we missed, drop it in the comments or send us a message.

Happy travels!

Joanie Wang https://the-travel-club.co
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